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Opika Organic

As much as I stuffed myself with all sorts of food (and some days junk food), I try to keep a balance with healthy food. Healthy food that doesn't mean plain old fruits and vegetables. Organic food is a regular feature in my meals especially breakfast and snacks. And of course when we dine out and wanna be consciously healthy. Contrary to the general perception that organic is vegetarian, these days organic has amazing offerings just as interesting as any other makan place. Over the weekend it was brunch at Opika the latest organic restaurant to hit town in One Utama ex old wing which has undergone a brilliant transformation.

Bright, airy and clean, this place looks inviting from the outside. The signage says pasaraya which means supermarket. Nothing wrong as Opika will also include a section dedicated to organic groceries including fresh produce.

While waiting for food, we were served water. Water is refillable and free unlike many other place. I regard this as a good gesture.

The soups arrive first. Brilliant idea as I love something warm in my stomach on rainy days. Both the Pumpkin Soup and Mushroom Soup actually taste better than they look. Both are cream free except for garnishing purposes.

The pumpkin soup is hearty and sweet. Opika uses only the pumpkins which are in season and this time of the year its Japanese pumpkins Kabocha which are naturally sweet and even sweeter than butternut squash. Its cream free except for the garnish part and this soup is simply satisfying and hearty. There are some bites of roasted capsicum giving this soup an additional bite and flavour.

If you love earthy Mushroom Soups, then Opika's version will be your fave haunting spot. The mixed mushrooms are blended together. Not too smooth so you can still get little bits of mushroom and of course some sliced mushrooms as well.

I love quinoa. On its own, quinoa is an adorable fluffy seed with a slight nutty flavour to it and is very rich in protein. Opika's Quinoa Salad. Its refreshingly tangy and sweetened with Nipah syrup (similar to maple syrup). In the middle of this delightful bed of quinoa is some lovely sweet mangoes and creamy avocado. The prawns have a good bite and complements this salad well. I must add that the cherry tomatoes is something new to me. Sweet and fragrant as it is infused with vanilla. Opika goes back to basics and uses vanilla pods.

Another ingredient that I love most is scallops. Nothing beats a juicy and tender scallop. The Scallops with Mango Wasabi Sauce is absolutely seductive. Coated with a blend of sesame seeds, house spices bread crumbs and I believe some secret concoction. Check it out and let me know if you can figure out what it is:P

The Linguine with Pinenut Pesto and House Spiced Pan Seared Salmon has the same coating as the Scallop with Mango Wasabi. Pesto lovers will relish this dish which has such a generous serving of pesto. Do remember to inform your waitress if you prefer you pasta al dente.

Such generous serving of pesto. Awesome!

Craving meatballs? Then the Swedish Style Meatball with Mash Potato is the solution. Each meatball is packed with flavours. Made with lamb, chicken and beef, this Swedish meatball served with some lingonberry is about the best I have had for quite some time. Mashed potatoes are yummy and if you realise its green, that's simply because its a magic mix of mashed potato and green peas. Amazing idea that will have kids and picky eaters eat their peas. Brilliant idea!

Wholesome satisfying meat balls.

Carbonara Fettucine with Grilled Fungi and Grilled Chicken is one creamy pasta. Comforting pasta in a creamy base. My fave part of this dish is the grilled chicken that has been marinated in Opika's blend of herbs.

I am not much of a rice eater but I have a weak spot for nasi ulam. The Nasi Ulam with Percik Chicken is recommended. Lots of yummy ulam with a very flavourful chicken percik. And best of all...free range salted egg!

The food here is not fried and is cooked using healthy red palm oil (which I also use at home ~ and if you like it, the oil is available in Opika).

I love fruit juices and never miss my fruit juice sessions everyday. If I miss it at home, then I must grab one at work. Today is no exception. A blend of different fruits juiced using a slow juicer to ensure the vitamins are retained.

Green apple with wheatgrass

Apple, beetroot and carrot ---> I call this ABC when I make it at home

Apple, carrot with lemon. Very refreshing and zesty as lemon rind is also used.

What's a good meal without desserts? I am not much of a black forest cake person. However, Opika's Revised Black Forest Cake with Dark Organic Chocolate and Brandy changed my mind. Not overly sweet with a decadent chocolate that has you craving for more without worrying too much of the expanding waistline.

My fave of the cakes would be the Apple Cake with Walnut Crumble served with a dollop of their Artisan Ice Cream. An alluring play of textures and flavours.

See...organic food isn't all about plain old vegetables with fruits and mee suah or brown rice. Hop over to Opika for yummy organic food.